The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to renew its bid to lift the ban on alcohol sales on trains, bringing the proposal to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee in a meeting scheduled for Friday, according to a source familiar with the matter. The move comes after the committee, under the Public Health Ministry, rejected a similar proposal in its previous session, citing potential risks.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who chairs the committee, stated that the decision was based on a study suggesting that allowing alcohol sales on trains could have more negative than positive effects. Despite this, the SRT remains determined to push for an exemption, arguing that limited alcohol sales in train stations or on certain tourist train services could help boost local tourism.
Dr. Udomsak Sae-Ngow, a researcher at the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS), pointed to a 2024 opinion poll that found widespread public opposition to the proposal. Conducted among 3,055 train passengers across 25 stations, the survey revealed that 80% of occasional drinkers and 67% of regular drinkers were against lifting the ban. Concerns cited by respondents included safety risks, public disturbances, and the potential for sexual harassment. Many also recalled a 2017 case involving the rape and murder of a 13-year-old passenger, which led to the implementation of the current ban.
Thirapat Khahawong, coordinator of a network advocating against alcohol-related harm, urged the committee to prioritize public health over economic interests, criticizing the government’s reliance on alcohol sales to stimulate the economy. The renewed push comes amid broader discussions on Thailand’s alcohol regulations, with hospitality businesses recently calling for an end to the decades-old 2-5 p.m. alcohol sales ban, originally introduced to prevent civil servants from drinking during work hours.
The upcoming decision by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee is expected to weigh the economic benefits against public safety concerns.
